IN PENANG, MAHATHIR FINALLY SAYS IT – ‘DON’T EQUATE RACE WITH WEALTH OR POVERTY’: YET WAS HE NOT THE ONE WHO TOLD MALAYS THEY ARE IMPOVERISHED IN THEIR OWN LAND?

RACIAL identity cannot be used to gauge economic success as all Malaysians have the opportunity to achieve progress, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

The prime minister said the government is working to bridge the gap in economic achievement between Malaysians, so as to accelerate the nation’s growth.

“The government continues to strive to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich, so that the nation’s wealth can be shared. Do not equate racial identity with wealth or poverty,” he said at the Premier Unity Gathering, held at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town.

The gathering is in conjunction with the National Unity Day celebration and 15th anniversary of the Penang Consultative Goodwill Council (MPMNPP).

Present were Dr Mahathir’s wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, former chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon and MPMNPP chairman Mohd Yussof Latiff.

The prime minister said the spirit of unity shown by Malaysians enabled the country to weather the 1969 racial riots.

“Riots usually have a long-term impact, but the 1969 riots lasted just a short time because the people were able to unite and form a coalition government.”

He said the maturity of the people was evident in the 14th general election, which saw a peaceful change of government.

“We aspire to become a developed nation. We are confident of attaining that. So long as the people remain united, we can achieve that goal by 2025. We are a little late, but better late than never.”

– Bernama